House Republican lawmakers share disappointment that Democrats have rejected proposals to make life more affordable, and communities safer, and to address the drug and homelessness crises.
Reflecting on what the Legislature has done so far this year, Representative Peter Abbarno of Centralia said at a press briefing on Wednesday, majority Democrats have missed several opportunities to “Fix Washington.”
“There were a number of really good policies – Homes for Heroes and rent relief incentives that didn’t even get hearings. The real difference we saw, in the priorities from at least the House majority, was spending versus finding more efficient programs that would make bigger difference.”
House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary told reporters he was most troubled with three pieces of legislation.
“One is that would effectively ban natural gas for Washingtonians – I think that’s the wrong direction. Two others that passed this week that I think we’re concerned with are unemployment insurance for striking workers and rent control. Ultimately, they are going to do more harm than good.”
Bills that passed out of the state House are now being considered by the Senate.
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